Rabbatts to be investigated for Carneiro comments

FA Council member Heather Rabbatts is to be investigated over a possible breach of conduct over her comments regarding Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

Rabbatts, the only female on the independent board, openly criticised Mourinho for his stance over the Eva Carneiro incident.

The Portuguese and the FA were accused of heavy handling of the situation by Rabbatts, which ended with Carneiro’s resignation from the club.

After the incident, two members of the FA Board reported Rabbatts, who could be removed from the board should she be found guilty of improper conduct.

Under FA rules, only two members of the 121-person council are required for a formal investigation to be launched.

Ron Barston, the 82-year-old life vice-president, and 70-year-old law lecturer Richard Tur are reported to have made the complaint.

The decision to investigate has sparked criticism from several groups, with Women in Football saying they were “staggered” by the developments, and racism group Kick it Out labelling the call “bizarre.”

“Rather than seeking sanctions against Rabbatts, we would like to see the FA Council supporting her mission to shore up football’s moral compass,” Women in Football said in a statement.

“The fact that Rabbatts, as the only female and only ethnic minority member of the FA board, was alone in posing those important questions further underlines the case for why greater diversity is so very necessary across every level of the game.

“That Rabbatts is willing to use her platform and speak out against injustice in the game should be welcomed by her colleagues, not condemned.”

At the time of Carneiro’s departure, Rabbatts was vocal in her support of the doctor, whom she said acted “properly.”

“Her departure raises a serious question on how players are safeguarded if their medical support is compromised,” she said at the time.

“The footage of the abuse she has endured in silence from the stands during her career is something we should all be ashamed of.”